Sundown Red Yeast Rice, 600 mg, 60 Capsules (Pack of 2)

Red yeast rice contains naturally-occurring substances called monacolins. Monocolins, particularly one called lovastatin, is believed to be converted in the body to a substance that inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that triggers cholesterol production. This is the way the popular statin drugs work.

Because of this action, red yeast rice products containing a higher concentration of monocolins have been developed and marketed as a natural product to lower cholesterol.

The problem is that the primary ingredient in these supplements, lovastatin, is also the active pharmaceutical ingredient in prescription drugs for high cholesterol such as Mevacor. In fact, lovastatin was originally derived from another type of red yeast called Monascus ruber.

When the FDA discovered that red yeast rice contained a substance found in prescription drugs, it banned red yeast rice products containing lovastatin. In August, 2007, the FDA issued a warning that several red yeast rice products still contained lovastatin. The manufacturers of these products have since recalled these products.

Red yeast rice is classified as a dietary supplement by the FDA. Because of its similarity to the statin drugs, there is an ongoing legal debate about whether red yeast rice should be reclassified as a prescription drug rather than a dietary supplement.

As a precaution, the following should not take red yeast rice:

Red yeast rice products have been found to contain citrinin, a toxic by-product of the fermentation process.

Pregnant or nursing women and children should not use red yeast rice.

People with liver disease or at risk for liver disease should not use red yeast rice, as red yeast rice may impair liver function.

People with acute infections, kidney disease, or who have had an organ transplant should not use red yeast rice.

People taking red yeast rice who develop muscle pain or tenderness should discontinue the product immediately and check with their doctor.

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